And, just like that Woodstock was 50 years ago. Boy, does Tempus ever Fugit. I wasn’t even remotely a hippie during that period. I avoided long hair and drugs, but I did kind of like the free love movement back then.
However, there were much more important dates to remember during that period. Recent events have really caused me to flash back to that time during my life.
Watching the videos of the debacle in Afghanistan caused me to flash back to the fall of Saigon in 1975. I lost two good friends to that senseless war and had one local great friend who was a POW at the Hanoi Hilton for seven years.
As for me, I joined the Georgia National Guard in 1970. My unit participated in war games with the regular army at Fort Stewart in 1972. We defeated the regular army during those games, and later found out that our victory earned us the honor of being considered ready to be called up for Vietnam. Many of us said that had we known that we would have thrown the game. Fortunately for me, the US began pulling all troops out in 1973, and I didn’t have to go to that land as an army infantry man.
Watching the heart-breaking scenes in Kabul just brings back so many bad memories. I always remember the quote that says, ”Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them.” I have very strong feelings about where the fault lies with the evacuation disaster in Kabul, but I’m not going to share them since I know that others feel differently. But, if you read enough, you will know also.
From my reminiscing, you can probably conclude that I am getting old. I don’t call it getting old. I call it outliving my warranty date. Speaking of my “mature years”, I have discovered several tidbits to share with you:
- The main function of the little toe on your foot is to make sure that all of the furniture in your house is in place.
- I find, these days, that most conversations begin with: Did I tell you this already? Or what was I going to say?
- You never appreciate what you have until it’s gone. Toilet paper and the hair on my head are good examples.
My parents were full of pithy statements, and I will close with two of them. Pop commented many times that old age was not for sissies. I’m beginning to understand that saying a lot better. My mom told me that when faced with adversity, we could either laugh or cry. She went on to say that we might as well laugh because neither reaction was going to change the outcome.
Y’all take care and stay safe out there! May God bless you and your families.